When driving it feels like engine loses power

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Also, welcome back. As far as the issue, does it only happen when the AC is on? I ask because if the AC compressor is cycling on and off and you feel it. Please keep in mind, if the AC is off but you have the defroster on, the AC compressor will still cycle. The defroster unit uses the AC to dehumidify the air going to the windshield.

Let me know.

Joe

PS: You are welcome to come back as often as you want. I don't want you to have more problems, but enjoy hearing from you. LOL

Thank you., it happens when the A/C is off as well. When your going fast and take your foot off the gas pedal and the speed drops. That is how it feels with my foot still on the pedal.

Welcome back:

Interesting. Has anyone checked fuel pressure? Has the fuel filter ever been replaced? Based on the description, it sounds like it is starved for fuel. Also, it could even be related to a faulty catalytic converter. Do you ever hear any rattling under the vehicle when it's running?

Let me know.

Joe

The last time I had the fuel filter changed was earlier this year. I get it changed with my oil, radiator flush all that good stuff. There isn't any rattling anywhere either.

Welcome back:

It will become a guessing game. If I had the car, I would first pull an oxygen sensor off before the catalytic converter. That will allow more air flow. Then drive to see if it changes.

It will set an engine code, but it can be reset.

Joe

I changed the one under the engine a few months ago. I am going to get the fuel filter changed and see what happens after that.

Welcome back:

Let me know what you find. This is a tough one, especially because I can't drive it to feel what is happening. Anytime there is a power loss, I suspect a converter, fuel issue, and then something electrical.

I will watch for your reply.

Joe

Okay, i will let you know what i find. I will check the spark plugs as well.

Welcome back:

Also, make sure things like the air filter are clean and not obstructed as well as check for vacuum leaks.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge


I will watch for your reply.

Joe

Good morning Joe,

The spark plugs were bad and I gt the fuel system flushed but it didn't solve the problem. My fuel pump is leaking, not sure if the would cause a power issue while driving. Once I'm able to get that check I will let you know what happens.

Nice to hear from you Honestly, if you have a fuel leak that can absolutely cause power loss. Anytime fuel pressure is reduced, there will be some kind of issue.

Please be careful with this problem. Any type of fuel leak can be dangerous. Let me know approximately where you feel it's leaking from so I can try to help.

Take care and be safe.

Joe

I apologize, I didn't mean to say fuel. I meant power steer pump.

Hi:

No problem. The power steering leak wouldn't cause a power loss. If you haven't already, check to confirm fuel pressure.

Joe

How do I check that? I had the fuel system flushed at Jiffy Lube.

Here is a link that shows in general how pressure is checked:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are the specifications for your vehicle:

FUEL PRESSURE
Key On, Engine Off (KOEO) .................... 45-60 psi
Key On, Engine Running (KOER) .................... 42-57 psi

I realize most people don't own a fuel pressure gauge. However, most parts stores will lend/rent one to you.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

I will check that out this weekend. Thank you

Happy to help. Let me know what you find.

Joe

Good afternoon Joe,

Apologies for the long delay. I was working a lot and couldn't get a chance to work on my car. I had the power steering pump changed and the place where I had it done said that my alternator was going bad as well. I keep forgetting to get it checked at AutoZone or O'reillys. The last time it was changed was in 2012 so it may be the cause but I know it's time to change it.

Great to hear from you. I hope you have a relaxing holiday.

That's interesting that they would test the alternator when replacing a power steering pump. Were there issues with the battery going low? Also, has the power issue been resolved?

Let me know.

Joe

It was okay, how were the holidays for you?
He didn't say he tested the alternator but I'm guessing he did since he said that. There were times where the car didn't want to start but the weather wasn't in its favor when that happened. The loss of power is still there, I am going to get it tested tomorrow for sure.

Holidays were okay here too. LOL Let me know what is found when you have it checked. I'm interested in knowing.

That's awesome, I definitely will.

Sounds great!!!

Hey Joe, turns out my alternator is bad. It's so expensive to change. I almost want to try fixing this one myself.

Okay, the idea of replacing it yourself is very possible. It really isn't that hard. Take a look through this link. It explains how in general one is replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for alternator replacement. The worst part of this job is you have to do part of it through the inner fender which requires you to remove the one wheel. Bit all in all, it's not that bad.

______________________________________________

1999 Mercury Cougar L4-122 2.0L DOHC VIN 3 SFI
Procedures
Vehicle Starting and Charging Charging System Alternator Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.



pic 1



2. Remove the intake air resonator.
1 Disconnect the air cleaner outlet tube.
2 Remove the bolts and nuts.
3 Remove the resonator.
- Disconnect the vacuum pipe underneath.



pic 2



3. Detach the coolant hose from the retaining clip.



pic 3



4. Disconnect the generator electrical connectors.



pic 4



5. Disconnect the ground cable.
6. Raise and support the vehicle.
7. Remove the right front wheel.



pic 5



8. Remove the splash shields.
1 Remove the bolts.
2 Remove the splash shields.
9. Remove the accessory drive belt.



pic 6


10. Remove the generator lower bolt.
11. Lower the vehicle.



pic 7



12. Remove the generator upper bolt.



pic 8



13. Remove the generator.

CAUTION: There is a very limited amount of space in which to remove the generator. Do not overstress or damage any hoses or cables.


pic 9




pic 10


INSTALLATION
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

________________________________________

Let me know of this helps. If you have trouble, I can help.

Take care,
Joe

I'm not sure if I'm missing a step or my car is different. I removed the air intake, the alternator is right under it, somewhat. I removed the belt and the upper bolt, which was easy to take out. When I got the lower bolt loosened it only came out half way. The tire wall is blocking it from coming out. I need to raise or lower the engine to do that but not sure how. I can't seem to find anything I need online for completing that task.

Is there a black bracket mounted to the lower part of the alternator?

I'm not sure but I will check in the morning, I was going to jack the motor up and try it that way. I will check before I do any thing else.

Let me know. If there is, you may need to remove it. The mount can be seen from under the vehicle. Nothing is ever easy. LOL If you lift the engine, make sure you place the jack in a spot that won't damage anything. I've seen people lift the engine by the oil pan and it wasn't a good thing. LOL

Please let me know if I can help.

Joe

Okay, I'm glad you mentioned that. I was looking at areas to use to lift it.

Not a problem. Also, keep in mind that it is still mounted on the car, so it will only go so far before it starts lifting the vehicle. Please be careful.

Joe

Thank you, I was able to change it out. The problem with the voltage dropping is no more. I guess it was caused by the alternator the whole time.

You are very welcome. What enabled you to get that bolt out from the alternator? Also, I'm glad it's fixed and working right for you.

Take care and feel free to come back any time you have questions.

Joe

Well apparently the housing for the bolt is a half moon. The other half is on the alternator and the bolt holds them together. I didn't realize that until it came out. I didn't have to raise or lower the engine. I'm sure I will be back. Have you heard of anyone using CLR to clean out the heater core. I can make that another question if you need me to.

Hi,

Yes, it is a very common product and works really well. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions. As far a starting a new link, I hate to ask, but I need you to. I will watch for it. We try to keep the threads focused on the same topic.

But, I have heard of it, it's commonly used, and works well.

Take care of yourself.

Joe

Okay, that's no problem. I will start a new one.

Thank you.

Joe